We love
What We Do
Our History.
In 1981, the Northwest Arkansas community gathered to discuss a challenge: lack of adequate child care services. The need for both parents to work and single parent households were on the rise, but early childhood options were not. Through the vision, financial support, and hard work of Mrs. Walton and other community leaders, the Helen R. Walton Children’s Enrichment Center opened its doors on September 7, 1982.
The Helen R. Walton Children’s Enrichment Center is a Northwest Arkansas nonprofit organization providing high quality early childhood education for children age six weeks to pre-kindergarten. Our campus is the first early childhood program in the nation designed and constructed with an emphasis on a toxic-free environment using only the safest building materials.
Our classrooms have ratios far lower than state mandates and are staffed with experienced and degreed teachers. Parents are provided substantial support services such as a parent resource library, community resources, food assistance and access to early childhood professionals who provide information and activities regarding Kindergarten Readiness Indicators. Our scholarship program ensures that high quality early childhood experiences are available to all members of our community.
Our Mission
Build a foundation of lifelong learning for young children in a nurturing, healthy, research based environment focused on intentional play, exploration and family well-being.
Our Vision
A world where every young child receives an extraordinary education and builds a lifetime love of learning.
A parent
“We have truly enjoyed every individual we have come in contact with at HWCEC. You all demonstrate the model of humility and grace. A trait that is not easily found but often admired.”
A parent
“The past few years have been trying and difficult to say the least. The love and support from HWCEC make it possible to keep our little ones healthy and happy. I cannot express the gratitude we have for your amazing facility, extraordinary team and family resources. Thank you for letting us be a part of the HWCEC family.”
Our Approach
Helen R. Walton Children’s Enrichment Center takes a comprehensive approach to meeting the needs of young children.
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We use a research-based curriculum and developmental assessment tool to ensure every child is progressing in all areas of development in a smaller classroom environment. Additionally, we will offer a new facility that is a learning tool in and of itself. Finally, we invest in the teacher, ensuring we have well-educated and experienced teachers supporting our young students.
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We provide health services such as nutritional services, vision and developmental screenings, and a healthy, chemical free environment in the new facility.
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We act as a partner with the family and provide individualized services that are respectful of each family’s culture and child rearing practices. We bring the family together through events, have a Parent Advisory Committee and opportunities to serve on our Board of Directors.
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Thanks to our vast community network, we can connect parents to resources such as job placement, financial support, counseling, food assistance, housing and more to meet the individual needs of the family.
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We follow best business practices within our field and focus on continuous improvement.
Our Values
Do the right thing.
Our founder Helen Walton often said, “it's not what you gather, but what you scatter that tells the kind of life you have lived.” We put children first in everything we do. It’s a pulse that people feel when they enter the building, a sight, a sound, and a taste for how education should be. We understand that communication starts by listening and empathy and kindness go a long way.
Imagine what is possible.
We believe that initiative, persistence, and innovation drive excellence in early education. We constantly evaluate and evolve personally, professionally, as a team and as an organization. Our differences, when embraced with trust and humility, elevate the standards of early education, spark change, and foster a culture where everyone can be themselves. Through genuine learning and continuous improvement, we imagine what is possible and achieve it.
Together we are stronger.
We know it takes people with different ideas, strengths, interests, and cultural backgrounds to make our organization succeed. We believe in the power of inclusion, family partnerships and the communities we create and serve. We build a culture of mutual respect and collaboration between team members, children and their families to create a community where all children thrive.
Build bright futures.
We know every child has a story, and we empower them to use their unique voice and gifts to achieve their full potential and become the leaders of tomorrow. We believe that play and education are a fundamental right of childhood and central to each child’s development. We intentionally nurture the individual development of the whole child to grow deep roots for learning, health and lifelong success.
